State Supreme Court: Charter schools are unconstitutional

[eridani]

http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/education/state-supreme-court-charter-schools-are-unconstitutional/
After nearly a year of deliberation, the state Supreme Court ruled 6-3 late Friday afternoon that charter schools are unconstitutional.

The ruling overturns the law voters narrowly approved in 2012 allowing publicly funded, but privately operated, schools. Eight new charter schools are opening in Washington this fall in addition to one that opened in Seattle last year.

It was not immediately known what would happen with charter schools that have already enrolled students. The parties will have 20 days to ask the court for reconsideration before the ruling becomes final.

Chief Justice Barbara Madsen wrote that charter schools aren’t “common schools” because they’re governed by appointed rather than elected boards. Therefore “money that is dedicated to common schools is unconstitutionally diverted to charter schools,” Madsen wrote.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

1. And of course the Republican had to say

Rep. Chad Magendanz, R-Issaquah, and ranking member on the House Education Committee, said he was stunned by the decision. “I’m shocked. I’m worried about the political aspects about this,” Magendanz said. “The court is becoming too much of ‘a political animal,’ ” said Magendanz, a charter-school supporter.

Because Heaven forbid courts do anything to point out what is actually legal under existing laws. That's just 'judicial activism'!

[yeoman6987]

2. Not a charter school fan

Are they going to have to have the kids start at a different school right away? Start new school in September 2016? Have businesses cover tuition and make them private? Lots of questions. Hopefully the public school can accommodate additional students if they close immediately. A percentage of students are minority students. Do they get to pick a better public school then their neighborhood school if it is not functioning properly. Tons of questions.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Education should never be dependant on the 'free market' system...

I support this ruling whole heartedly. Charter schools is just another back door attempt to dismantle education in America and turn it into another for-profit boondoggle.

[Buzz cook]

4. This is great news

Charter schools are a rip off.

[charlene4047]

5. Charter Schools in Florida

I read something the other day, and because I hadn't planned on posting about it I have no details. The gist of the article was that in one of their charter schools some of the kids told their parents they only draw pictures in school. Another school, the administrator or whoever absconded with the school's grant, closing the doors without warning.
I know this is sketchy. Sorry. If there's any interests I could try to find it again and at least post a link.